Incredibly, rain water that falls on Villa's grand old stand is being put to great use.

Precipitation from the Holte End roof is collected in giant 1000 litre containers which are then transported to the club's allotment just one-and-a-half miles from the ground.

The fresh drizzle is then placed into a 6000 litre container.

This is used to grow and harvest items such as potatoes, vegetables, salad items and herbs which are consumed in the club's excellent eatery, which continues to develop an impressive reputation.

Alison Plant, head of hospitality and events, said: "I am sure supporters will be surprised by this but it just goes to show how sustainable we are.

"Next time you're watching your heroes on the pitch and it starts to rain, look up and remember where it's going!"

This has all come about as a result of the link-up between Villa and St George's Community Hub - a Nechells-based charity which straddles the voluntary, statutory and faith sectors.

The aim of the link was developing an allotment project which would give disadvantaged kids in the area purpose as well as service the club's healthy-eating project Villa Vitality and the club's restaurant VMF.

The overall title of the scheme is 'Eco-no-me' and it has been immensely successful.

Interestingly, the allotment also brings in honey for Restaurant VMF.

Unfiltered honey, which contains pollen, is believed to desensitise people to hay fever and asthma.

Honey is supplied to the Restaurant VMF from four hives on site at the allotment.

Restaurant VMF - and other eateries on site - also use local suppliers wherever possible, with 80% of the produce used coming from the counties surrounding the West Midlands.

This includes farms in Bloxwich, Wythall, Tamworth and Earlswood as well as many other local businesses and producers.

No wonder then that Villa have been so lauded for their sustainability work.

Just a few months ago, Villa won the bronze gong at the Green Apple Organisation awards ceremony at the House of Commons.

This was handed out for their sustainability work at Restaurant VMF.

Why not come down and check out the award-winning cuisine on Friday or Saturday this week?

We have spaces available this weekend, with tasty fare in abundance.

And, in another added bonus, we have a special deal available throughout February, entitling £5 off per person in your party of diners.